Overview:

: The Basilica of St. John is an ancient Roman Catholic basilica located at the southern end of the city of Izmir in the Aegean region of Turkey. It was built in the 4th century CE over the ruins of an earlier church. Originally established as the Church of the Virgin Mary, it was most likely dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The Basilica has been an important pilgrimage site for Catholics in the region, as it is believed to be the burial site of the apostle. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

, the Basilica of Saint John is located in Izmir. This impressive structure, which dates back to the 6th century, is the largest church in the country and one of the oldest surviving monuments in the city. The basilica was originally commissioned by the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 5th century and completed by Emperor Constantine in the 6th century. The architecture is a mix of Byzantine and Roman styles. It features a large central vaulted nave, two aisles filled with chapels, and an apse filled with frescoes. In addition to worship services, the basilica is a popular tourist destination. It offers a variety of activities and cultural events, including music recitals, plays, concerts, and lectures. The surrounding area is also home to many restaurants, shops, and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Basilica of St. John in Izmir, Turkey is a major Christian pilgrimage site visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. It is believed to have originally been built to commemorate the apostle St. John the Evangelist, who is traditionally believed to have been buried there after his martyrdom in Ephesus in the 1st century. It is believed that the remains of St. John the Evangelist have been preserved in the church for over 1,600 years, since the 4th century AD. The current Basilica of St. John was built in the early 16th century, at the site of a previous church, which in turn is said to have been built in the reign of the 4th century Emperor Theodosius II. At this time, the city of Ephesus, now within the modern city of Izmir, was not yet fully under the control of the Ottoman Empire. The current building was designed by Italian-born Renaissance architect Girolamo Penago and completed in 1520. It is a two-domed structure, with an exterior of brick, stone, and wood, and an inner sanctuary that features beautiful murals and frescoes. The basilica has grown in fame due to the believed presence of the remains of St. John and his alleged connection with the Virgin Mary. It is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics and has been a target of various attacks throughout its history. In 1531, the basilica was heavily damaged by an attack of the Ottoman Turks, but it was rebuilt and restored to its former glory. The basilica continues to be a popular site for worship today and remains an important symbol of Christian faith in the Muslim-dominated country of Turkey. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of St. John is one of the oldest and most famous Christian sites in the world. It was constructed in the 4th century AD and served as a mosque until the Ottoman Empire conquered the city of Izmir in the 15th century. 2. The Basilica is located in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, which today is known as Selçuk. 3. The Basilica of St. John is the only surviving example of a pseudobasilica, a type of three-aisled church design popular during the Byzantine period. 4. The building was originally constructed to honor the Apostle John, who is believed to have visited Ephesus during the first century AD. The nearby Cave of the Seven Sleepers is thought to be the site of John's tomb. 5. The basilica building also contains the ruins of a 5th century AD baptistery, as well as various other features from the early Christian period. 6. In 2015, the Basilica of St. John was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as an "exceptional example of a very early Christian basilica". One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era